The Next Big Thing

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IGNDC Takes look at the software that will drive the Dreamcast early in the year 2000.

By IGN Staff

Believe it or not, I didn't buy many games as a kid. I know, I know. You'd think it was just the opposite. Truth is, I never had much money, so I had to resort to putting my dough on the sure bets, and then trading with my friends after I had worn my purchases (and thumbs) completely out. These days, kids' wallets aren't any fatter, so I figured I'd give a little something back to the penny-pinchers and hook you guys up with a guide to placing those all-important pre-orders.

But the question was how. For the past few days, I've been trying to figure out the best way to highlight the top upcoming titles for the Dreamcast, but I just wasn't convinced on the best way to do it. At first, I was going to go with a "reader's picks" piece, but then it hit me: Believe it or not, it's pretty easy to gauge reader interest by checking out all the mail you guys send in. But considering most of your picks are based on second-hand looks, we thought we'd feed you a first-hand take on what every gamer wants to get his or her hands on: The Next Big Thing.

So, we got together and put down the games that have dominated our spare moments more so than any others. Here they are, in order of anticipation. If you can only get a few games this year, we hope this will help ya narrow down your wish list:

1.) Crazy Taxi - Let's face it, there are two certainties when it comes to Sega's arcade blockbuster, Crazy Taxi. One being that it is one of the best games ever to grace a monitor, and the other is that, at a dollar a pop, there is no way the average gamer will ever be able to get enough in its current form. Thankfully the game is hitting home in a little over a week, and from what we've seen and played, this game is gonna move systems as easily as it will kill the free time of all those who hop behind the driver's seat. With excellent graphics, gameplay, and atmosphere, you just can't go wrong with Crazy Taxi

2.) Resident Evil: Code Veronica ¿ What can we say that hasn't already been said. Resident Evil will finally make its way to the Dreamcast in March, and the more we see of it, the more we can't wait for this one to hit shelves. Great cameras, lighting, and sound make for one hell of a fright factory. Expect it to turn more than a few PlayStation loyalist to the dark side.

3.) Chu Chu Rocket - Not only is Chu Chu the Dreamcast's first true Online gaming experience, but it is console gaming's first real test for the next evolution of gameplay. Not only can we not wait to run from the cat, but we're pretty excited to see how gamers respond to this killer puzzle title. It's fast, it's furious, and it is funny as all get out. This game is gonna be huge!

4.) Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future ¿ This is another game we will be watching with great interest. As one of the most incredible game worlds we've ever, Ecco's environments will floor even the hardware's staunchest critics. If it comes together, it should go a long way towards establishing the viability of Sega's other old franchises.

5.) Dead or Alive 2 - Soul Calibur has already established that the Dreamcast could put up a good fight, but as any N64 owner will tell you, you need more than one solid fighter to sell the system to fans of the genre. Dead or Alive 2 looks to be the fighter that will push Dreamcast over the top for fans of the 3-D brawler. Incredible visuals coupled with solid character design and robust fighting engine make this one of the most anticipated titles of 2000.

6.) Fur Fighters ¿ I've always liked the concept, but after witnessing it first-hand, I'm prepared to say that this will easily be one of 2000's top titles. Incredible art direction, ingenious puzzles, and non-stop action would be enough to make this one a must have, but the crew at Bizarre was kind enough to throw in a splash of humor. Expect the fluff to fly in a big way.

7.) Rayman 2: The Great Escape - Rayman 2is probably the most beautiful game we have ever seen. It doesn't hurt that it also happens to be one of the most solid platformers ever made. Already making a huge splash on the N64 and PC, we're expecting big things from little Ray. Early indications points towards a fantastic port, and if all goes well, it will give Dreamcast owners the platform game they so desperately need.

8.) Nightmare Creatures 2 - Easily earning my vote for most surprising game of 2000, Nightmare Creatures 2 looks to take the elements that made titles like Half-Life and Soul Reaver famous and bring them to a new realm of gore and glamour. An atmospheric work of art, Nightmare Creatures 2 looks like it will send some serious chills down your spine. Expect this to be one of the most engrossing, terrifying titles of the year.

9.) MDK2 - You know, normally, I'd tell you to stay away from most sequels. After seeing the route taken by Tomb Raider and Mario Kart, it almost seemed as if developers had lost the grasp on the whole "bigger and better" routine made famous by Hollywood film studios and had opted instead for a more "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mantra. Well, Bioware's MDK2 plans not only to buck this new trend, but go a quantum leap beyond the original in so many ways, that this game has us drooling with anticipation. More characters, more craziness, and more intensity are sure to make this one a must have.

10.) Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - Though it's slated to ship this week, after checking out Kain, I must confess this is one of the slickest action titles I have ever seen. The game's already solid engine has gotten an incredible boost from the Dreamcast, and thanks to some excellent design work, the action is more than up to the task of answering this visual challenge. If you're an action fan in need of a new fix, you needn't look any further than Soul Reaver.

So there you have it. For all of you knuckleheads who simply have to know what our big picks are for early 2000, now you know where we'd be putting our pre-order dollars (if we actually still had to buy games, that is...). We'll be updating our Top Ten once a quarter to give you a look at our most anticipated games for that period. Expect our next update to come from the show floor at E3!